Dingwall tradesman gets ban and fine after drug-driving incident
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A self-employed plasterer became depressed when he was separated from his family by working all over the country.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 36-year-old James Buchan of Colonel's View, Dingwall turned to cannabis to help him cope.
But Buchan was stopped by police at Inchmore on the A862 on November 6, 2023 on suspicion of drug-driving and a subsequent blood test showed he was over the safe driving limit.
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His reading was 3mcgs when the maximum is 2mcgs.
He admitted the offence and was fined £640 by Sheriff Gary Aitken who also banned the tradesman from driving for a year.
Buchan's solicitor David Patterson said: "He is not a regular user but it was a difficult period for him as he was all over the country doing work.
"He was depressed and took cannabis to self-medicate. His home life is more stable now as he is taking more jobs locally."
